Hearts broken in Galt

Community gathers to mourn loss of police officer slain in the line of duty

GALT - One by one Wednesday afternoon, close friends, acquaintances and complete strangers made their way toward the railroad tracks where a Galt police officer was gunned down Tuesday. They brought flowers, stuffed animals and other items, building a makeshift memorial for a man who lived and died to protect others.

GALT - One by one Wednesday afternoon, close friends, acquaintances and complete strangers made their way toward the railroad tracks where a Galt police officer was gunned down Tuesday. They brought flowers, stuffed animals and other items, building a makeshift memorial for a man who lived and died to protect others.

Flags in Galt flew at half-staff and residents held a tearful candlelight vigil as the close-knit community mourned the loss of Kevin Tonn, a 35-year-old officer who was assigned to the Galt Police Department's canine unit.

One woman who said she didn't know Tonn sobbed as she placed a stuffed toy dog at the memorial site, which was set against the backdrop of Galt's signature water tower and a charming row of Fourth Street businesses. Someone else left toy police cars. Then there was Teauna Miranda, 39, who fell to her knees and cried, shaking her head at the thought of losing someone dear to her.

"We dated for years, and he was one of my best friends," Miranda said, lifting her sunglasses to wipe tears from her eyes. "The most ironic thing is where this happened. He loved that building, and he loved that tower. I don't know how many pictures he took of the sunrise over that building. It's just so sad that it happened here."

Tonn was shot once in the head while trying to detain a man who used the same weapon to take his own life moments later, authorities said. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office on Wednesday identified the gunman as Humphrey Kenneth Gascon, a 30-year-old Galt resident. Gascon had been arrested for driving under the influence in Nevada but had no history of violent crime, said Sgt. Jason Ramos, a spokesman for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, which agreed to oversee the homicide investigation.

Tonn encountered Gascon while investigating a burglary that occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of F Street. Authorities have determined that Gascon did not burglarize the home, but he matched the description of the man who did, Ramos said Wednesday.

According to authorities, Tonn approached Gascon as he was walking along the railroad tracks between 3rd and 4th streets. A struggle ensued. Tonn was shot.

A second Galt police officer arrived and called for help. Gascon fled across the tracks toward 4th street but stopped in a grassy field and shot himself once in the head, authorities said. Neither officer fired a shot, Ramos said.

Tonn was unconscious but breathing, said Lt. Jim Uptegrove, a spokesman for the Galt Police Department. He was rushed to Kaiser Hospital in south Sacramento, where he died less than an hour later.

"I just keep expecting him to call and say, 'Hey, I'm on the news. Record it for me,' " Miranda said. "But he's never going to call."

Tonn served with the Galt Police Department for more than three years. He lived in Galt for about three years but moved to Elk Grove in November, Miranda said. Tonn previously worked as a firefighter and paramedic in New York and served in the Army Reserve as a military police officer.

Those closest to him said he loved his family, his friends and his police dog, Yaro.

People grieved Tonn's death together Wednesday evening during a candlelight vigil at Galt Community Park. Firetrucks and police cars lined parking lots and surrounding streets. Candles lined walkways leading to a small pavilion, where about 200 people crowded together in the cold to share memories and tears.

"If he were here, he would say he can't believe he has gotten so much love and support from all of you," said Robin Gist, Tonn's girlfriend. "He would be so thankful. I wish he could be here to see this.

"Kevin will be OK. He's in a good place, and he will watch over all of us. He will. He will make sure that all your families are safe."

Residents expressed shock and sadness. One woman said she worried for the first time Tuesday night when her sons were out late.

"We'll get through this as a community," Galt Police Chief Bill Bowen said. "It will be rough, but we will."

Others weren't so sure.

Miranda told a story at the vigil that touched many hearts. She said Tonn drove to Lake Tahoe one Christmas Eve, returned with a truckload of snow and filled her front yard with it so her children could have a white Christmas in Galt.

"He was selfless," Miranda said. "If he knew you wanted something or if there was something that would put a big smile on your face, he would go out of his way to do it. He was an amazing man, and Galt will never be the same without him."